@Rebecca181 Amen to everything you've said! Homesharing is such a niche I am waiting for another company to realize this and make it their focus. Unless that happens, I see Airbnb chasing the big bucks as you said and catering more and more to Plus, Luxe, and all those "big" hosts that own hundreds of properties. Homeshare hosts bring in money and if you focus on the unique experience instead of it being a "cheap" way to travel, big bucks CAN be made.
The other issue I see, as I am a member of several Facebook groups, there are so many inexperienced hosts, and those hosts who just really shouldn't be hosts. They probably cause headaches for Airbnb and also may be bad ambassadors for homesharing and could turn people off of the concept. Literally ANYBODY can sign up and be a host with no vetting. This hurts those of us who truly care about hosting.
I've only been doing this a little over a year, but I don't have any horror stories, thankfully, and only a few guests that were less-than-desirable. I'd also say my guests have been 50/50 split on those who just wanted an economical place to stay (pleasant, but no more than a friendly "Hi") and those who truly use me for my knowledge of the area and want to have a "human" experience.
Best example of this was with my recent guests...I arrived home and the guy was in the driveway unloading a cooler. I said greeted him and asked if they settle in okay and he responds, "Hi! Everything is great! Would you like a beer?" Love these guests!